Nora Al Jassasi to become first Emirati woman to compete in FIA Middle East Baja Cup

Rally driver Nora Al Jassasi is set to become the first Emirati woman to compete in the FIA Middle East Baja Cup.

Al Jassasi's participation was confirmed after an impressive performance at the Dubai International Baja 2025, where she finished third in the SSV T4 category and 21st overall.

She was the only Emirati woman in the race in what was her third appearance at the event.

After the race, Al Jassasi posted to her Instagram: "DIB 25 podium. Third in our class, 21st overall. Without the 19 minutes penalty we would have been 17th."

Al Jassasi completed the 400-kilometre stage - comprising fast dunes, open tracks and broken sand dunes - without any mechanical issues or rollovers, underscoring her technical ability and consistency throughout the rally.

She said she is now gearing up for a full programme in next season’s regional championships, including rallies in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar and the UAE.

Her result in Dubai booked her place in the 2026 FIA Middle East Baja Cup, which will begin with an opening round in Hail, Saudi Arabia, next January.

The Saudi Baja kickstarts the season on January 30-February 1. After a two-and-a-half month lay-off, Jordan Motorsport will run the Aqaba-based Jordan Baja that switches from a date in mid-November to take its place in the calendar on April 10-12.

The Qatar Motor and Motocycle Federation (QMMF) will then host the Lusail-based Qatar International Baja on November 6-8, and the Emirates Motorsports Organisation will then run the finale in Dubai on November 20-23.

2019 ASIAN CUP FINAL Japan v Qatar

Friday, 6pm

Zayed Sports City Stadium, Abu Dhabi

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